Here’s Jonny! Howard heavily involved in Vic ousting Hightown
BOTH New Vic teams had success over the Bank Holiday weekend, with the first Xl beating Birkenhead St Mary’s and the better of a draw at Cheshire Lines.
The seconds qualified for the Hampson Cup Semi-finals with a win by default against Mossley Hill and the better of a draw against Goose Green seconds.
On the Saturday at Rufford Road New Vic won the toss and chose to field. The home team took two quick wickets by Keiron Rigby (7 overs 2 maidens - 17 runs - 1 wicket) and Barry Mills ( 10 overs - 1 maiden - 37 runs - 1 wicket) before McLoughlin (60) and Bowe (42) dominated the bowling.
It was the introduction of Jonny Howard (10.5 overs - 3 maidens - 52 runs - 5 wickets) that turned the game as he bowled both the top scorers.
This signalled a complete St Mary’s collapse as Howard was supported by Joe Sawbridge ( 7 overs - 1 maiden - 20 runs - 3 wickets) and the Wirral team were all out for 138 in 34.5 overs.
When the hosts batted Matty Howard (54 including 8 4s and 1 6) was immediately dominant, through Hawthorne (5 for 48) was a regular wicket taker.
The outcome was finally balanced as Barry Mills (28 inc 1 4) and Joe Sawbridge (32 inc 7 4s) scored freely and the St Mary’s total was overtaken in 32.1 overs for the loss of seven wickets (141).
On Monday at Cheshire Line in Garston New Vic batted first and enjoyed complete dominance through the batting of Matty Howard (119 not out) as fine a knock as you would wish to see, although he was dropped three times.
He was aided by Matty Walsh (13) and Barry Mills (34) before eventually skipper Mills was able to declare on 212 for 7 after 46 overs.
After tea Cheshire Lines had an agressive opener in Williams (34) but he was run out attempting a second run, after which the home team shut up shop and played for a draw thanks to the defence of Hobbs (7) and Carswell (30).
It was only the introduction of James Leese (3 overs- 0 maidens- 7 runs - 2 wickets) that made any headway but by then it was too late and Cheshire LInes finished on 112 for 7 after 48 overs.
New Vic took 13 points from the match and now occupy 5th place in the Premier Division.
The second Xl had a day off on Saturday as Mossley Hill conceded the Hampson Cup game.
On Monday in another Hampson Cup qualifier Goose Green seconds batted first.
Opener Jamie Bray (38 inc 7 4s and 1 6) and Andy Addison (42 inc 5 4s) did the early damage.
After than Richard Wilson (52 inc 6 4s) took over to enable New Vic to finish on 171 for 8 in 50 overs.
In reply Goose Green were soon defending against the bowling of Curtis Rigby (11 overs-2 maidens - 19 runs - 4 wickets) and Jamie Bray (11 overs- 2 maidens- 41 runs - 3 wickets).
Only a middle order partnership between Burke (37) and Melling (53) proved problematic and the last Goose Green pair were at the wicket at the end of 36 overs with the total on 132.
Next Saturday the 1st Xl make the short trip to Halsall/West End, whilst the 2nd Xl are at home to Newburgh seconds in a league game.
Then on the Sunday they are at Prescot in the Hampson Cup semi-final. The Saturday games start at 1.30pm